The Weymouth Tropics travelled to Bournemouth for there second match up of the season against Dorset Strom and the Dorchester Tigers, travelling with coach Dan Campbell as head coach Alex Fuhrmann was unavailable.

The first game would be against the Dorchester Tigers in which the young athletic Weymouth side felt confident against after their convincing win against them in their previous match up. The game started of quickly with Weymouth aggressively attacking the basket and getting lay-ups from Gerrry Legg-Saunders and Jordan Daniels. With Weymouth playing at such a high tempo they got out to a quick double digit lead, this allowed some of Weymouths more experienced players to take a rest in the second half and allow the other players a chance to close out the game. The intensity didn’t drop with the starters on the bench and the tropics found fast break scores from Taine Mackay, Josh Kirby and Joseph Heffell. The game finished 47-22.

The second game looked to be more challenging against the Dorset Storm as they had also just beaten the Tigers in a similar fashion. This was the game everyone had been waiting for and both teams seemed fired up and ready to play. Weymouth came out with the same intensity as they had shown in the previous game but the Storm side were prepared for this and didn’t allow anything easy inside. Despite their great effort Weymouth struggled to find the basket and with Storm converting on easy fast break lay ups they got out to a quick 10 point lead in the second quarter. Once Weymouth had settled down and started to play their game they found gaps in the opposing defence with score coming from Max Gilmartin and Errol Marquez. With only one quarter left and still trying to fight their way back into the game, Weymouth went with their strongest five to try and bring home the victory. The lead was quickly cut down to 3 points after an impressive basket coming from Jordan Daniels and a long range 3 pointer from Jay Wilson, the game looked like it could have been anyone’s at this point so coach Dan Campbell quickly called out a timeout and drew up a play which would hopefully bring the Tropics level with only 15 seconds remaining on the clock. Unfortunately the young side didn’t manage to execute the play and the game finished 38-34 in favour of Dorset Strom.

Coach Dan Campbell: “We were unfortunate not to win both games tonight, I think if we had played better early in our second game we wouldn’t have found ourselves chasing the lead all game and the result would have probably been different.”

The Weymouth Giants took their second trip to Bournemouth this season to take on the Dorchester Tigers and Rivals Dorset Storm.

The first game was against the Dorchester Tigers who the young Weymouth side felt very comfortable against after defeating them in there last match up. The game started of as expected for the Giants with fast break lay-ups coming from Emily Screen and Rev Santos. The Dorchester side wouldn’t go down with out a fight and played some aggressive defence which caught the seasider’s off guard and led to some easy basket which got them back in the game. Finishing the half 14-12 in favour of the Giants. Weymouth had realised they now had a fight on their hands and came out in the second half with a new found intensity on the defensive end of the floor led by Charlie Durant and Luke Brown. As the whole team stepped up their energy levels and didn’t relax till the game was over, coming out on top 24-20.

After only narrowly beating the Dorchester Tigers it looked like it would be a tough game against the much bigger and more experienced Storm, but the Weymouth side were hungry for a win after coming up short handed in their last meeting. The game started out with both teams exchanging baskets which the opposing coach was not pleased about and quickly called a timeout to instruct his young players. Weymouth coach Dan Campbell told his team, “the only way they would come out with a victory is if they all put in 100% effort for the whole game, there was no time to relax against the well drilled Storm side.” The Weymouth Giants responded to their coaches request and played up-tempo spirited basketball for the whole game. Despite there lack of height Jonah Osment and Kieron Scott both played excellent defence and didn’t allow there men to score for the rest of the game. Weymouth started to pull ahead when Derek Marquez made an impressive lay up, this seemed to fire up the Giants and they never looked back. The game was sealed by spectacular long rage efforts coming from Louis Weaver and Joshua Westlake. The game finished 34-29 to the Weymouth side.

Coach Dan Campbell: “I’m really impressed with how my team came out and competed tonight, they all played with such high intensity it seemed to overwhelm the other teams. I hope to get the same result in our next meeting in the new year.”

In the past 4 years basketball has grown for all in the local area; senior men, junior boys and girls and the senior ladies team ‘Weymouth Huskies’.

It’s the Weymouth Huskies who have seen the biggest challenge in their local league, coming up against international players and seasoned teams. It’s been a tough season already for the squad as despite some terrific performances from their established players, it’s a lack of new blood in the team that is holding back the team success.

Huskies and Southwest squad member Ellen Blackwood “I’ve been with the team since I was 13 years old, it’s been a great experience that has now led me to travelling all over the country representing the region. Basketball isn’t really that popular in the region and I’m unsure why girls aren’t getting involved with such great experiences on offer.”

It's not just regional settings that Coach Che Osborne sees his players attaining, it’s also success in the local league playing against Poole, Southampton and Bournemouth sides.

Coach Osborne, “We’ve had some great success with player development at the club but it’s the team success I’m focusing on and I feel the first step is recruiting further members to strengthen the squad competitiveness. We welcome all abilities and have a great social scene; funding raising, social meals and parties that we’d also welcome all to get involved in.”

Weymouth Huskies have regular sessions for all those wishing to play (whatever the standard), Wednesdays at Weymouth College, 8pm. Your first session is free, with playing fees applying for those that wish to continue.

For further info please visit www.weymouthbasketball.co.uk

Ravens Keep Cowboys Looking for First Win

Dec 14, 2011, 5:50 pm

Southampton Ravens 62 – 61 Weymouth Cowboys

Still looking for their first win of the season the Cowboys felt at ease when the visiting side turned up with only six players.

This clearly had the reverse effect in the first quarter with the Ravens playing up-beat physical basketball utilising basic plays that broke the Cowboys down. All though the visiting side only had one substitute it was Weymouth that looked like they had a small squad, and despite moments from Sam Dodge and Adam Bradley netting 7 points, the Ravens looked very comfortable wrapping the quarter up 11-7.

Some stern words from Weymouth coach Alex Fuhrmann and some critical decisions on defence saw Cowboys come out a completely different squad, the Ravens continuing to notch up the points with Cowboys keeping the pressure on. After scoring the Cowboys deployed a full court press on the visitors which was instrumental in keeping the score level for the quarter, but the home side still could not quite find the flowing team basketball that was needed to reduce gap in the overall score, Ravens ending the half 36-29 up.

The third quarter saw the Cowboys keep the defensive pressure on and this in turn gave the home team the confidence in going forward. Suddenly team basketball kicked in and a flurry of superb offences knocked Ravens from their perch, with guards Giles Heaman and Bradley scoring four un-answered back to back baskets. Dodge remained effective on the inside with guard Jack Speary notching up back to back lay-ups. Clearly the visitors were feeling the pressure and the third quarter ended 45-44 to the Cowboys.

The forth quarter was much the same as the third with very competitive basketball being played by both teams. The home side kept the edge early in the fourth but slowly bad habits started to sneak in. Cowboys gave away 4 turnovers in a row which luckily Ravens did not capitalise on but the mistakes didn’t go unanswered for long. Cowboys loosened their defence and the visitors took full advantage of the sloppy inside defence. The determined Weymouth side still had some great offensive moments but unfortunately easy open baskets were not taken.

In the last four minutes, Raven hit two unanswered baskets from inside bringing the score level at 58-58. Two silly fouls at either end saw free throws awarded to both teams which Raven took advantage of, leaving Cowboys only hitting one giving the visitors the one point advantage. By this point the court was at fever pitch and the result could go to any team, Speary popped out in a slick offence to nail a short range jumper which should have sealed the game. Though in the last seconds with only 10 seconds left it was Weymouth who through away the ball allowing their guests an opportunity under the basket by nailing a buzzer beating lay-up to win 62-61.

In summary coach Fuhrman was not overly pleased, “Cowboys showed periods of outstanding basketball at times, but still the passion to carry this through was not there. Silly mistakes on defence and offence must be ironed out and when they are, I am sure we can be a team to beat in this league. The good news is that all teams play each other at least twice so there is room for development and revenge through the season”.

It should have been so much worse than it ended up. For Weymouth, the bitter taste of defeat will be tempered with the knowledge that they gave a superb account of themselves despite an avalanche of bad luck. A last minute combination of illness and injury contrived to leave the Oilers with just five fit players for their scheduled matches last Friday night in the Solent area under 14’s league. It was a moral victory of sorts for a Weymouth side who showed character and toughness beyond their years. Taine Mackay, Luke Strong, Ewan Goodwin, Louis Weaver, and Karl Mulberry did themselves and their club proud by giving their all to what looked from the start like a lost cause.

A mix up of travel directions meant that the first match saw Weymouth start and play against a full strength Salisbury side with only four players for three quarters. Weymouth played inspired team defence and incredibly managed to hold Salisbury to eight total points in the first half, despite Salisbury having one player who was totally unmarked through two quarters. On the other end, Weymouth struggled to find space or opportunities to score. In the second half, Weymouth continued to press, but inevitably their legs began to tire while Salisbury were able to substitute in fresh legs. Slowly but surely, Salisbury were able to exploit their advantage. Taine Mackay continued to press the ball and scored twice in the second half. Also scoring was Louis Weaver, a year five pupil who had an astonishing debut considering he was playing in a league of mainly year 7 and 8 boys.

The second match at least saw Weymouth playing against Dorset storm with a full five-player side. Luke Strong switched to point guard midway through the first quarter and the tactical shift paid dividends as the Oilers ended the first half on level terms 13 – 13. Weymouth was finding more open space which resulted in more scoring opportunities. Every Weymouth player scored during the second match. As the match went into the second half, it was predictable that the Oilers began to tire and their intensity began to wane. Storm pressed their advantage and the match finished 31 – 22. It was a respectable margin considering that each Oiler had played every minute of each match.

Coach Eric Olson later said “we are feeling positive despite the results tonight. Our lads showed tremendous character and intensity. We know that when we have a full strength squad we will be able to start picking up some victories.”

The Portsmouth Navy have always had strong basketball teams as they have a vast pool of service men who compete at international levels. Their form this season has been second to none, whilst the Navy played 4 won 4, Tandoori Bandits had won one lost one with 2 games to play. To add to the challenge of an early Sunday morning tip off, the Tandoori Bandits had to take a depleted team to face a full strength Portsmouth side. With just 6 players available,Â coach Che Osborne had managed to put together an experienced side with the inclusion of Brett Dunster, Giles Heaman and Andy Steel so there was an air of confidence within the side when they arrived.

The early confidence was strengthened when the Tandoori Bandits rolled out to the start of the first quarter with some excellent ball movement bringing the ball around to the sure hands of Dunster who put away three out of three from the 3 point line. This was complimented by some exciting interplay from Julien Lawes and Chris Canham. Even though the Seasiders went in to the quarter down they were very confident with the performance so far.

The second quarter started with the Navy side bringing out the big guns, they had some very strong players, who towered over the Bandits defence. Â This provided a tough challenge for the visiting team, particularly for the young Sam Dodge who did very well to control the large Navy centre, who plays his basketball for the combined services team. Dodges tenacious D along with Chris Canham's eye for steals kept Tandoori Bandits within touching distance at all times throughtout the quarter. The energy continued right up to the break with Giles Heaman bringing down some good defensive rebounds and turning them into points at the other end along with some good shooting from Canham from behind the Arc.

The third and fourth quarters were a different affair, Weymouth seemed to spring to life with some excellent fast breaks and rotation on offence, Lawes the key figure here with his control of the offensive floor and quick first step. Andy Steel seemed to find his feet with some strong and decisive moves to the basket, picking up some much needed points for the visitors and as the Navy were tiring Weymouth kept chipping away at the Navy teams lead, Â unfortunately it was the early quarters where the damage was done and the Navy managed to keep the gap to the end of the game.

Che Osborne said "I'm very happy with the guys performance, they done exactly what was asked, they moved the ball into the right areas and the energy was there. Â Our defense was top notch at moments, and I feel confident we would have turned out a positive result against any other side today. Â It's just unfortnuate that we faced such a strong Naval side with a few guys missing from our ranks. Its good to see the clubs young players like Sam Dodge stepping up to the challenges presented to them, today he had a difficult task containing a combined forces 6"6in centre with a lot more experience and he did an outstanding Job. Â Overall although we did not win the game I'm more than happy with our performance"

The barracudas opened the score with a 3 pointer giving them a boost to the start of the game, Weymouth didn’t let that phase them as they also come back with a 3 from Sam Dodge. The first quarter ended with Weymouth gaining some much needed confidence. Entering the second quarter with the Cowboys leading by 1 basket Barracudas needed something special to bring them back and quick, they found a spark on the fast break and capitalised by making consecutive easy lay-ups on the break, ended it 11 ahead.

The new half started and Weymouth was the team chasing, with the score 39-28 to the Poole side. This quarter both teams were matching up evenly both scoring easily on each others defence, the team who would win this game will win it on who would play the better defence. The quarter ended tied but still barracudas had the lead by 11. Cowboys needed to step there defence up in the final period if they had any chance of winning this game. With multiple open shots from the Barracudas, their lead increased rapidly despite Weymouth’s captain Dan Campbell tried getting his team motivated by making a long range target and converting a lay up, that being the only points Cowboys made that quarter and Poole ending it 72-49.

The Portsmouth Navy have always had strong teams as they have a vast pool of service men who compete at international levels at basketball, and their form this season has been second to none, the Bandits on the other hand were play 2 won one lost one. This test was put under more strain as they had to take a depleted team to Portsmouth early on a Decembers Sunday morning. Coach Osborne had manage to put together an experienced side with the inclusion of Brett Dunster, Giles Heaman and Andy Steel so there was a confidence within the side when they arrived.

The early confidence was strengthened when the Tandoori Bandits rolled out to the start of the first quarter with some excellent passing bring the ball around to the sure hands of Dunster who put away three out of three from the 3 point line, this in turn was complamented by some exciting pass and moves from Julian Lawes and Chris Canham. Even though the Seasiders went in to the quarter down they were very confident with the performance so far.

The second quarter started with strength from the Navy side, they had some very strong and big players, which the young Sam Dodge did very well to control, his strong defensive stance and Canham's eagle for steals kept Tandoori Bandits in touching distance at all times throughtout the quarter, Canham even continued Dunster's early results from behind the 3 point line with 3 of his own. The energy continued right up to the break with sub Heaman bringing down some good defensive rebounds and turning them into point the other end.

The third and fourth quarters were and different affair, Weymouth seemed to spring to life with some excellent fast breaks and rotation on offence, Lawes the key figure here with his speed and pace. Andy Steel seemed to find his feet with the strength and movement inside the key. As the Navy were tiring Weymouth kept up to them in both quarters, it was unlucky that the early quarters gave Navy such an advantage they kept the lead to the end.

Che Osborne said "I'm very happy with the guys performance, they done exactly what was asked, they moved the ball into the right areas, the energy was there and the defense was excellent at moments, it's just unfortnuate that we face such a strong Naval side with a few guys missing in our ranks. Sam Dodge seemed to be a massive influence today, I'm well pleased for him."